LDC installs Applied DNA''s cotton traceability system

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has installed Applied DNA Sciences’ SignatureT cottontraceability system at its Moree gin in Australia to tag, test, and track pure HomeGrown Australian cotton. LDC is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods headquartered in Australia. Applied DNA is a supplier of molecular technologies for supply chain security.

The system will enable LDC to match increasing consumer and retailer demand for sustainable cotton, demonstrating traceability along the value chain. It will also support industry efforts to help Australian cotton become more competitive and sustainable.

LDC and the textile company, Himatsingka Group, have initiated dialogues with multiple retailers and Australian cotton users about their increasing need for product origin assurance. In anticipation of this demand, Applied DNA Sciences will supply sufficient SignatureT DNA taggant to tag approximately 14 million kilograms of pure Australian cotton at LDC’s Moree gin on a contingent basis.

Tony Geitz, managing director, cotton platform, LDC Australia said, “In line with our continuous drive to create greater value for our customers through our product and service offerings, LDC is excited to partner with the Himatsingka Group and Applied DNA Sciences to introduce the first robust, closed loop, supply chain traceability system for Australian cotton.”

“LDC is pleased to adopt this innovative technology that will allow brand owners and retailers to verify the presence of Australian cotton in their finished garments and products. This will enable consumers to make more confident purchase decisions and promote the use of HomeGrown Australian cotton,” he added.

Adam Kay, chief executive officer of Cotton Australia said, “It is great to see LDC’s traceability initiative, which will serve to strengthen our country’s already enviable global reputation as a reliable and trusted supplier of high quality cotton. As Australia’s cotton representative body, we endorse innovative solutions to traceability which we believe will help the industry become more competitive, sustainable and valued by the community.”